Tip of My Iceberg

One of the freedoms we have had in the United States is protected by the First Amendment to our Constitution: the right to freedom of speech. It gives us a chance to disagree with one another and still maintain relationships. However, with our country in such a divisive state, people’s freedom of speech has too often instigated anger and hatred if others choose to disagree with them. What was intended as a freedom has become a weapon.

I wanted to make sure I understood what our founding fathers intended. The First Amendment reads: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” That covers a lot of ground–freedom of religion, of speech, the right to assemble, and the chance to voice concerns and demand accountability through peaceful means.

What’s happened too many times lately is individuals have disrespected the law and people by taking matters into their own hands and expressing displeasure in ways that are hurtful and destructive.

When Charlie Kirk was assassinated on September 10, he was holding a rally in Utah with the intent of providing a platform for people to talk about ideologies and beliefs in a mutually respectful manner. There have been many who disagree with his views, but his methods showed a dignity and high regard for people in general. His heart was for young people to become engaged with helping our country grow strong by encouraging dialogue so youth could better grasp and become responsible for how they made life choices.

Having been rejected from West Point when he was 18, he began Turning Point USA in his garage in Illinois, with few connections and a vague idea of what he wanted to do. He recognized how young people needed to better understand what being an adult in our society means today. He was helping them understand personal responsibility and becoming involved in community in a respectful way.

He was a gifted speaker, but his true gift was in listening to others. He gave his attention to young people, encouraging dialogue and providing places for them to speak out. Even in disagreement.

What Charlie did was give young people the chance to own their beliefs and have the freedom to voice them. Many young conservatives who had felt dismissed or mocked by others found their voice in Charlie’s encouragement.

His assassination has deeply impacted our country. Former President Barack Obama said, “We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy.”

Such despicable violence has no place in any culture.

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of a foundational principle spoken of in both the Old and New Testaments: “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and prophets.” (Matthew 7:12). 1 John 3:18 says, “Let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by or actions.”

Charlie Kirk chose to live a life based on the principles of love and respect, treating others with dignity. I don’t agree with everything he said, but in this country, now, he had the privilege to be able to say it.

Have we lost that benefit?